Characteristics of Epic Heroes:The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth,

and high position (importance) - STRONGThe hero’s character traits reflect important

ideals of his society. – ETHICAL The hero performs courageous and

superhuman deeds. – QUEST The actions of the hero often determine the

fate of a nation or group of people. GLORIFIED

A long narrative poem Relates the story of a serious adventure

No aspects of comedy Details the hero’s victories as well as

his defeats Sometimes defeats are more important

Primary Epic:No known authorIliad, Odyssey, Beowulf, Gilgamesh

Secondary Epic:Author is knownParadise Lost John MiltonThe Idylls of the King Lord Alfred

Tennyson

Hero is of Nobel birth Character traits reflect important ideals of

his societyHero performs courageous, superhuman

deedsActions of hero determine the fate of the

nationSetting is vast in scope (more than one

place)

Formal diction and serious toneMajor characters deliver long, formal

speechesPlot is complicated by supernatural

beings or long journeysThe poem reflects timeless values The poem contains universal themes

What are some modern epics?

A literary device in which a noun is renamed in a creative way using a compound word or union of two separate words to combine ideas. School “Scholar’s Home” Your Parents “Car Loaners”Coca-Cola “Humanity’s Beverage”

Create your own kenning for the word “High School Senior”

*Practice by complete 10 more kennings on your worksheet.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of stressed sounds, particularly consonants from the beginnings of words or syllables.

Example:“ . . . A powerful monster, living downIn the darkness, growled in pain, impatientAs day after day the music rangLoud in the hall . . .”

CaesuraA typical Old English alliterative line consists of two half-lines separated by a strong pause, known as a caesura.In one half of the line, two words commonly alliterate; in the other half, one word alliterates with the two from the other half.

Example:“Then, when darkness had dropped, GrendelWent up to Herot, wondering what the warriors (caesura after Herot)Would do in that hall when their drinking was done.”

Very Godfather-likeIf one member of a family/clan is killed by another

family/clan, then vengeance is taken upon that other family.

Money given as compensation for a killed family member

Used to avoid violence or end a feud

My clothes are silent as I walk the earthOr stir the waters. Sometimes that whichMakes me beautiful raises me highAbove men’s heads, and powerful cloudsHold me, carry me far and wide.The loveliness spread on my back rustlesAnd sings, bright, clear songs,And loud, whenever I leave lakesAnd earth, floating in the air like a spirit.